Let's break the silence on infertility
1 in 6 people globally experience fertility challenges. Talking openly — for women and men — is the first step to answers, support and hope.
Women don't talk about
Female infertility
Let's change that. Talking openly about periods, ovulation, PCOS, endometriosis and fertility testing helps women get answers sooner.
Men don't talk about
Male infertility
Let's change that. A simple semen analysis is often the fastest route to answers — and male fertility is just as important a part of the conversation.
1 in 6 couples globally experience fertility challenges
You are not alone — and talking about it is the first step to answers, support and hope.
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Jump to the part that matters most to you, or follow the links to our deeper guidance.
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What is Infertility?
Infertility is more common than many people realise. Around the world, millions of individuals and couples experience challenges when trying to conceive.
Medically, infertility is usually defined as not becoming pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (or 6 months if you are over 35). But behind this definition are real people, real emotions, and often a journey that can feel confusing, overwhelming, and deeply personal.
Infertility can affect anyone — regardless of age, background, or lifestyle — and it can involve factors related to women, men, both partners, or sometimes no clear cause at all.
Understanding the possible causes is often the first step towards finding the right support and moving forward.
What Causes Infertility?
There isn't one single cause of infertility. In fact, it's often the result of a combination of factors. Broadly, causes are grouped into female factors, male factors, combined factors, or unexplained infertility.
Female Infertility: Common Causes
For women, fertility can be influenced by ovulation, the health of reproductive organs, egg quality, and hormonal balance.
Ovulation issues are one of the most common causes of infertility. If an egg is not released regularly, conception becomes more difficult.
Conditions linked to ovulation problems include:
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause inflammation, pain, and scarring, which may affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and overall fertility.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can interfere with implantation or affect the shape of the womb.
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, or stop a fertilised egg from reaching the uterus.
This can be caused by:
Age is one of the most significant factors affecting female fertility. As women get older, both the number and quality of eggs decline. This can make it more difficult to conceive and increases the risk of miscarriage.
While every person's fertility journey is different, understanding the impact of age can help with planning and decision-making.
Male Infertility: Common Causes
Male fertility is just as important in the conception journey, and male factor infertility is involved in around 40–50% of cases.
Problems with sperm production are one of the most common causes. This can include:
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to damage within the genetic material carried by sperm. Even if sperm count and movement appear normal, high levels of DNA fragmentation can impact fertilisation, embryo development, and increase the risk of miscarriage.
This is an area that is being increasingly understood and can be assessed with specialised testing when needed.
Hormones play a key role in sperm production. Imbalances can affect the body's ability to produce healthy sperm.
Blockages in the reproductive tract can prevent sperm from being ejaculated properly. These can be caused by infection, injury, or previous surgery.
A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's a common and often treatable cause of male infertility and can affect sperm quality.
While men can remain fertile for longer, age can still impact male reproductive health. As men get older, sperm quality may decline, including increased DNA fragmentation and reduced motility, which can affect fertility outcomes.
Unexplained Infertility
In some cases, all tests come back normal, yet pregnancy still doesn't happen. This is known as unexplained infertility.
While this can feel particularly frustrating, it's important to know that there are still many treatment options and pathways forward.
Moving Forward
If you're concerned about your fertility, you're not alone — and support is available.
Understanding your body, seeking early advice, and connecting with trusted experts can make a huge difference in helping you take the next step with confidence.
At IVFbabble and Babble Connect, we're here to guide you — helping you access trusted clinics, leading specialists, and personalised support tailored to your journey.
From possible causes to answers
Learn More
Visit these trusted IVFbabble articles for deeper guidance on specific conditions and topics.
Deeper Dive
Causes of Infertility Explained on IVFbabble
For a deeper dive into the medical reasons behind infertility, read the full expert article on IVFbabble.com.
If you have any questions about this topic or anything else on IVFbabble, we're here to support and guide you — our team and leading global experts are here to help. You're not alone.